Irish tax-take lowest in EU

The Government's post-Budget tax-take is the lowest per capita in the European Union, according to an analysis conducted by the Conference of Religious in Ireland.

CORI said the results of the study raise serious doubt about the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition's ability to honour its promises on infrastructure and social provision.

Spokesman Fr Sean Healy said the Government must increase its tax revenue if it is serious about tackling the growing gap between rich and poor and about improving roads and housing.

"There shouldn't be an increase in income tax, because Ireland's income tax-take is close to the European average," he said.

"In some sectors, the tax-take is far below the European average, for example in the corporate sector," he added.